Egypt's top court postpones key ruling on assembly

(AP) Officials say Egypt's top court has postponed its ruling on the legitimacy of the nation's Islamist-dominated constituent assembly, citing 'administrative reasons.

The announcement came as several thousand supporters of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi surrounded the Supreme Constitutional Court on Sunday to prevent the judges from entering the Nile-side building in Cairo.

The officials did not know whether a new date has been set for the ruling.

A ruling from the court regardless of which way it goes would be a direct challenge to Morsi, who last month gave himself near absolute powers, placing himself and the assembly above any oversight, including by the judiciary.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.